November 18

Born in 1528, George Talbot inherited the Earldom of Shrewsbury and became a key figure at the Tudor court. He commanded troops against rebellions in northern England and in Ireland, earning a reputation as a skilled commander. Talbot was entrusted with the custody of Mary, Queen of Scots, for fifteen years, demonstrating his political reliability. As Lord High Steward of Ireland, he presided over important judicial affairs and represented English interests abroad. He held high office under Queen Elizabeth I, balancing loyalty to the crown with the era’s complex religious tensions. His career merged military prowess and diplomatic service during a turbulent period in British history.

Born in 1620 into the Zrínyi noble family, Miklós Zrínyi emerged as a prominent general in the Croatian and Hungarian border wars against the Ottoman Empire. He led daring frontier campaigns, most notably at the Siege of Novi Zrin, earning acclaim for his strategic skill. Zrínyi also served as a statesman, holding important offices in the Habsburg monarchy and advising on military policy. A prolific poet, he authored the epic ‘Perivoj Zrínyi’ celebrating his family’s martial heritage. His dual legacy as a warrior and man of letters influenced both military and cultural life in 17th-century Central Europe. Zrínyi’s efforts became emblematic of resistance to Ottoman expansion and inspired subsequent generations.

Born in 1733 into a prominent New York family, Philip Schuyler became a leading figure in colonial and early American politics. He served as a Major General in the Continental Army, overseeing defenses along the northern frontier. Schuyler recruited and organized the regiment for Benedict Arnold’s 1775 expedition to Quebec. After the war, he represented New York in the U.S. Senate from 1789 to 1791, helping shape national financial and defense policies. He managed vast landholdings along the Hudson River, contributing to regional economic growth. Schuyler’s military leadership and senatorial service marked him as a foundational statesman of the United States.

Born in Cusco in 1785, Agustín Gamarra fought in the Peruvian War of Independence under José de San Martín. He first assumed the presidency in 1829, prioritizing national consolidation and fiscal reform. After losing power in 1833, he returned as president in 1839 and sought to assert Peru’s influence over Bolivia. Gamarra led an invasion into Bolivia and was killed at the Battle of Ingavi in 1841. His death marked a turning point in Andean politics and ended Peruvian ambitions in the region. He is remembered as a skilled military leader and a pivotal figure in early republican Peru.

Chester A. Arthur was born in Vermont in 1829 and trained as a lawyer in New York City. He rose to prominence as Collector of the Port of New York under President Grant, where he earned a reputation for both patronage and efficiency. As Vice President under James Garfield, Arthur assumed the presidency after Garfield’s assassination in 1881. He surprised many by endorsing the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act, which introduced merit-based government appointments. Arthur also oversaw the modernization of the U.S. Navy, commissioning new steel warships. His commitment to reform restored public faith in the presidency. Arthur left office in 1885 and died a year later, remembered for his unexpected leadership and integrity.

Leo Ryan served as a U.S. Representative for California's 11th congressional district beginning in 1973. A former naval officer and school teacher, he became known for his advocacy on consumer rights and government accountability. In 1978, he traveled to Jonestown, Guyana to investigate reports of human rights abuses within the Peoples Temple. During the visit, Ryan and four others were ambushed and killed by Temple gunmen at a nearby airstrip. His death marked the first and only killing of a U.S. congressman in the line of duty. Ryan's sacrifice highlighted the perils of cult dynamics and led to greater public awareness of the Jonestown tragedy. He is remembered for his courage and commitment to truth.

Born in 1895 in Toronto, Thomas Conn Smythe served as an officer in World War I and later in the Canadian military reserves. After the war, he became involved in ice hockey, playing briefly as a defenseman and later managing and coaching teams. In 1927, he founded and became principal owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs, a franchise he would lead for decades. Under his leadership, the Maple Leafs won five Stanley Cups between 1932 and 1967. Smythe was also a successful businessman, investing in mining, real estate, and horse racing. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975 for his contributions to the sport. Smythe died in 1980, remembered as a pioneering builder of professional hockey in Canada.